February 13, 2009
For More Information, contact
Don Nikodim, (573) 445-8375
Missouri Pork Association Announces Youth Pork Ambassadors
Monroe City Youth Selected for Scholarship Program
Columbia, Mo.—Acacia Hays, a high school senior from Monroe City, has been selected as one of the 2009 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. Her selection was announced during the 2009 Missouri Pork Expo on February 11 in Columbia.
Hays has an extensive knowledge of the pork industry. She has worked as farrowing technician at Two Mile Pork for two summers for her father, Scott Hays. She also attended the University of Missouri’s Youth Pork Institute.
Hays is involved in many other activities in addition to swine. She has been President, Reporter, and Assistant Sentinel of her FFA chapter. She has been Treasurer of National Honor Society and been involved in Science Club, Spanish Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and the track team at her high school. She has also attended the Washington Leadership Conference, Hugh O’Brian Leadership Conference, Catholic Heart Work Camp, Washington D.C. Pro-Life March, and Make a Difference Day.
After graduation, Hays plans to attend college to better understand the swine industry and business management, and hopes to return to Monroe City to help the town grow economically.
Hays is the daughter of Scott and Riss Hays from Monroe City.
Throughout the next year, Hays will participate in various events in the pork industry. At the end of the program, she will receive a $1,000 scholarship, payable to a technical school, community college or four-year university.
Qualified applicants must be involved in the pork industry or the son/daughter of a parent or guardian involved in the pork industry, and between their senior year of high school and sophomore year of college as of January 1, 2009.
The Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador program combines a scholarship opportunity with the chance to actively participate in Missouri’s pork industry. It provides an opportunity for youth to develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members, while improving communication and leadership skills.
The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education and legislation. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.
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